Definition: The term "island soul" refers to a style or subgenre of music that originated in the United States in the 1950s, particularly in Southern California's Santa Monica area and Hawaii, where the island soul genre was first introduced. The island soul movement developed during the post-war period as African American musicians sought to express their cultural identity while simultaneously embracing modernity and musical sophistication. The music was characterized by its distinctive style of vocal harmony that often featured a combination of piano, harmonica, guitar, and banjo. One key characteristic of the island soul genre is its focus on rhythm and time signature, which often included fast-paced, syncopated rhythms with a strong sense of energy and tempo. This was in contrast to other subgenres, such as gospel or pop that tended to have more melodic and acoustic-based structures. Another distinctive feature of island soul was its incorporation of gospel elements, particularly with the use of church choirs and gospel harmonies, which helped to define the genre's sound and appeal to a wider audience. Many island soul musicians were also known for their improvisational abilities, often utilizing intricate arrangements and rhythms. Overall, the island soul movement played an important role in shaping the sounds of American popular music in the 1950s and 1960s, and its influence can still be heard and celebrated today through the works of artists like Bobby Bland, Ray Charles, and Jerry Wexler.
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